Translated using ChatGPT service.
On August 13, a digital installation “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” was ceremoniously inaugurated in Vērmanes Garden, Riga. From now on, the city’s residents and visitors will have the opportunity not only to explore the Baltic Pavilion at the world’s largest exhibition in Osaka, Japan, but also to meet pavilion visitors during special live-stream sessions.
The Baltic Pavilion, representing Latvia and Lithuania, carries the theme “We Are One,” highlighting the interaction between people, nature, and technology, as well as the unity of the region and the world, encouraging mutual learning and collective action towards a sustainable future. The “Open the Door to EXPO 2025” initiative is a direct continuation of this idea – allowing people to be part of the exhibition here in Latvia while also giving the world a closer look at Latvia and its values.
Economy Minister Viktors Valainis expressed satisfaction that Latvian residents can now experience a sense of presence at such an important event for the country. “This portal is not just a technological installation – it is a bridge between Latvia and Japan, between cultures, ideas, and people. It symbolizes our openness to the world and our readiness to share what we value most – entrepreneurs, innovation, culture, and people. The Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka has already been visited by over 590,000 people, which is a significant contribution to Latvia’s international recognition. We are purposefully using this platform to increase exports to Japan by 50 million euros by 2028 and to attract at least 30 million euros in Japanese investments,” emphasized Viktors Valainis.
Meanwhile, Lāsma Līdaka, Latvia’s General Commissioner for EXPO 2025, who appeared live during the event, noted that this is a great opportunity for different cultures to meet and interact, becoming part of a dialogue that transcends borders.
“For visitors to the Baltic Pavilion here in Japan, it is important to show that, even though we are separated by thousands of kilometers, we are all interconnected and closer than we might think. This digital portal will continue to showcase Latvia as a creative, innovative, and interaction-oriented country, accessible through technology in just a few seconds – particularly important for building lasting economic relations,” said Lāsma Līdaka.
Japanese audiences delighted by Latvian song and dance traditions
During the event, both visitors in Vērmanes Garden and the Baltic Pavilion in Japan enjoyed performances by the choir “Pa Saulei” and the dance school “Dzirnas,” demonstrating the enduring strength of Latvian song and dance traditions. In Osaka, the choir’s performance of a song in Japanese drew particular enthusiasm, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.
Choral Artistic Director Marta Ozola revealed that the choir shares a special bond with Japan, making it even more significant to participate in the opening of the digital portal “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” “Japan is close to our hearts – we have previously participated in competitions in Tokyo, which were associated with positive emotions and warm reception from the Japanese. Therefore, it was especially meaningful and symbolic to once again show the Japanese audience our mutual friendship, performing a song in Japanese, while also conveying the Latvian message of strength. Ultimately, music unites, moves, and empowers people, regardless of time zones, culture, or language,” emphasized Marta Ozola.
The installation “Open the Door to EXPO 2025!” – a gift for the people of Latvia and Japan
The event is just the first in a series of activities that will allow the Japanese to get to know Latvia’s values, traditions, and important national events. Even outside of events, visitors to Vērmanes Garden will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of daily life at the Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 and interact with its visitors during special live-stream sessions, scheduled weekly from Thursday to Sunday, 12:00–14:00.
Even when live sessions are not running, the doors to EXPO 2025 will symbolically remain open – allowing Latvian residents and visitors to learn more about the Baltic Pavilion and its message, gaining insight into how Latvia presents itself to the world, encouraging reflection on balance and respectful coexistence.
About EXPO 2025 Osaka:
EXPO 2025 Osaka is the world’s most significant exhibition for promoting national image and export capacity, addressing not only economic but also socially significant global issues. The exhibition includes 159 countries, 7 international organizations, and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around the world. It is a place to explore national and regional exhibits, as well as to combine global knowledge and ideas to develop new technologies and innovations for solving global problems. The main theme of the exhibition is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” while the Baltic Pavilion’s sub-theme is “Saving Lives,” focusing on improving quality of life through the latest technologies while adhering to high environmental standards. To achieve goals of national branding and export promotion, Latvia is also organizing a comprehensive business program, enabling Latvian companies to participate in sector-specific exhibitions, events, and trade missions in Japan.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA):
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth, and investment attraction, while also developing the tourism sector and implementing national branding policies. LIAA acts as a state partner in business development – from idea to international markets. With a broad network of foreign representations and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
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